When you’re feeling discouraged or need a boost of courage, God is there.
Voices that murmur doubts and cause you to query God’s character: “A good God would never allow such painful circumstances. Why devote yourself to Him?
How often does the fear of what others think sway your decisions, words and actions? I recently collided with the fear of man and was forced to make a choice.
I remember when I first sensed God nudging me to write this book. My human logic scoffed: “Who, me? You want me to do what? Are you kidding? I can’t do that.”
My youngest daughter has befriended a woman in a nursing home and has visited her regularly for months. Last week I had the privilege of meeting her.
“It’s all in one’s perspective,” said Jan. She explained that when troubles come, we’re all faced with a choice regarding where we fix our gaze.
Taking God-given risks changes that. It keeps my faith alive and vibrant. It drives me into the Word and forces me to cling to God’s promises.
When I feel afraid, Psalm 107 speaks to me. One section tells of sailors whose ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged to the depths.
One’s memory of God’s promises often fails when life deals a tough blow. Stress and fear sabotage our minds, and our ability to recall His words takes flight.
Yes, Gideon was a fearful guy, but thankfully he didn’t allow his fears to stop him from obeying God’s call. What swayed Gideon to “do it afraid?”
Here’s my word to you–don’t be afraid. When your heart is bent on honoring God rather than serving yourself, He will guide your steps.
I say, “The Lord is with me. I will trust and not be afraid.” Repeating this aloud several times works for me. It reminds me that God is in control.
Refuse to dwell on the what-ifs.
Instead, dwell on the for-sures. For sure, God has not abandoned us. For sure, the pain of this earthly life is temporal.
I have three kids, and they’ve all traveled abroad for missions. I know what it feels like to watch your teens board a plane with no guarantee of their return.
Sometimes life takes us to a place where we feel dry and bone weary. Thankfully we needn’t dwell there; God meets us there and breathes fresh life into us.
Assuming the worst often means we waste a lot of time and energy entertaining negative thoughts and what-ifs. But assuming correctly is a whole ‘nother story.
Life doesn’t always turn out the way we hope or plan. Sometimes our circumstances don’t make sense, and we wonder if God really knows what He’s doing.
When the storms of life blow in on us, we’re faced with a choice. How should we respond? For starters, let’s not allow our emotions to dictate our actions.
I wonder how others accepted Sheerah and her giftedness. No doubt some followed her leadership; others probably tsk-tsked and criticized her efforts and passion
David’s response to difficulties provides a good example for us. When our circumstances seem too much to bear, we, too, can find our strength in the Lord.
Are you facing a God-given task or dream that looks impossible? So impossible that you hesitate even mentioning it to a friend lest you look like a lunatic?
Clearly God wanted the people’s involvement in fighting this battle. Some, like the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, chose to go; others chose to stay. Why?
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GRACE FOX MINISTRIES
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